Clearwater River and Hell’s Canyon
Today was a magic day. Some brave souls made it up to the deck in time for a stretch and warm-up as the ship pulled into harbor at Clarkston. Finally, after a long day and night of travel upriver, we get to touch land. Loaded with historical consciousness from the previous day’s lectures, we were ready to take on the territory of Lewis, Clark, and the Nez Perce.
After another delicious breakfast, and some last minute changes of mind, the adventurers split into two. The first was greeted by a small, white-bearded Scot by the name of Lin, who handed out a pamphlet with a grin as they stepped onto a bus and drove off up the Clearwater River on a journey that can only be described as mystical. Not only did they “plant their feet” and touch the time of the Corps’ passing up and down through the heart of Nez Perce country, they were transformed into young Nez Perce children by the phenomenal storytelling talents of their guide, Lin.
The second boarded a jet-boat, something most had never seen or heard of before, and departed on an unforgettably spectacular voyage across rapids and through canyons into lands where few men dare to (or can) tread. Wild sheep, sturgeon, and an owl were seen. And then there were the petroglyphs, which inspired Professor McGrath to a discourse of “wonderfully extemporaneous nonsense” that left his adult learners hungering for more.
Back on board, the Dartmouth majority had their cocktail hour, aided by the comic duo of professors Fritz & McGrath. As the rousing chorus of ancient alumni songs filled the cabin, the call for dinner was raised, and all headed off for a most satisfying conclusion to a delectble day.
Today was a magic day. Some brave souls made it up to the deck in time for a stretch and warm-up as the ship pulled into harbor at Clarkston. Finally, after a long day and night of travel upriver, we get to touch land. Loaded with historical consciousness from the previous day’s lectures, we were ready to take on the territory of Lewis, Clark, and the Nez Perce.
After another delicious breakfast, and some last minute changes of mind, the adventurers split into two. The first was greeted by a small, white-bearded Scot by the name of Lin, who handed out a pamphlet with a grin as they stepped onto a bus and drove off up the Clearwater River on a journey that can only be described as mystical. Not only did they “plant their feet” and touch the time of the Corps’ passing up and down through the heart of Nez Perce country, they were transformed into young Nez Perce children by the phenomenal storytelling talents of their guide, Lin.
The second boarded a jet-boat, something most had never seen or heard of before, and departed on an unforgettably spectacular voyage across rapids and through canyons into lands where few men dare to (or can) tread. Wild sheep, sturgeon, and an owl were seen. And then there were the petroglyphs, which inspired Professor McGrath to a discourse of “wonderfully extemporaneous nonsense” that left his adult learners hungering for more.
Back on board, the Dartmouth majority had their cocktail hour, aided by the comic duo of professors Fritz & McGrath. As the rousing chorus of ancient alumni songs filled the cabin, the call for dinner was raised, and all headed off for a most satisfying conclusion to a delectble day.
